Democrats Continue to Call on Republicans to Put Forward a Spending Measure to Cut and Compromise

For Immediate Release:

March 15, 2011

Today the House will consider a short term continuing resolution to fund the government for the next three weeks. Democrats continue to call on Republicans to cut and compromise on a measure that funds the government for the full year so that we prevent a shutdown and stop funding the government in week-by-week increments, which is inefficient and disruptive to the private and public sector. Republicans have criticized short-term resolutions as well:

“I am really not warmed over to that, because if you continue to do that you continue to create a lot of uncertainty and unpredictability for the American people.” –Rep. Allen West [National Journal, 03/11/11]

“The fact is we can't subject our Nation's national security to a 2-week by 2-week process. It is not the way the Defense Department can function and this Nation can defend itself and its vital national security interests. We owe it to the men and women serving in harm's way as we speak.” –Senator John McCain [Congressional Record, 03/09/11]

“I really hope there’s not an endless [continuing resolution]. The reason for that is that the federal offices, the Defense Department, FBI and on and on, they can’t advance… So I’m going to push to get that resolved. ... We need a budget. We need this year’s piece done, so we can focus on 2012.” - Rep. James Lankford [Politico, 03/13/11]

So far, Republicans have not put forward a compromise measure and there are deep divisions within their own party. While some are calling for compromise, others refuse to move from their position:

“Freshman Rep. Michael Grimm on Monday slammed tea party activists and the ‘extreme wing of the Republican Party’ for mounting opposition to a stopgap spending measure. ‘If we’re going to do what we set out to do, we have to set realistic expectations, and cannot bow to the extreme right or left. Those views don’t represent what’s best for our country and they certainly do not represent the views of the majority of my district,’ he said in the statement.” [The Hill, 03/14/11]

“Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the head of the powerful conservative Republican Study Committee, will vote against the three-week House spending bill Tuesday…In a statement, Jordan indicated he was unhappy with the size of the cuts in the new measure, which would reduce spending this year by $6 billion and fund the government for three weeks.” [Roll Call, 03/15/11]

Democrats agree with Republicans that we must cut spending and have met Republicans halfway, but Republicans have not moved from their “So Be It” Spending Plan, which independent economists say will cost between 200,000 and 700,000 jobs. The Republican proposal mistakes cutting big for cutting smart and harms economic growth and national security by cutting critical investments.

Cuts Homeland Security grants to train and equip first responders by $101 million, Port Security grants by $192 million or 67 percent and Transit Security grants by $177 million or 70 percent

Rather than working together to restore fiscal responsibility, Republicans have failed to address Americans’ top priorities: creating jobs and reducing the deficit. Compromise is the only way forward. Republicans must step up and put forward a compromise so that we can reduce spending while protecting critical investments that grow the economy, create jobs and strengthen national security.